Grimmenstein castle

Grimmenstein Castle, located above St. Margrethen, was a feared nest of robber barons. In 1416, the striking structure was destroyed and never rebuilt.

The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1254. In 1315, Abbot Heinrich von Ramstein of the monastery of St. Gallen appointed the knight Wilhelm von Enne, who came from South Tyrol, as the new lord of the castle and bailiff of Grimmenstein. The ecclesiastical lords in St.Gallen and with them also the Grimmenstein bailiffs increasingly harassed the population, which led to warlike conflicts with the battles on Vögelinsegg and on Stoss. In the course of the hostilities the castle was finally destroyed in 1416. The ruins were then used as a quarry. Only two legs of the imposing tower and the foundation walls remained. From 1936 to 1938 the castle ruins were uncovered, secured and placed under protection. Today Grimmenstein is a popular destination for excursions.